Church of England to allow ‘celibate’ homosexual bishops

The Church of England has established a policy that could allow
homosexual bishops in the future. That's stirred up intense
criticism from conservatives within the denomination.

The policy adopted by the Church of England permits homosexual
bishops who are involved in civil partnerships. Jeff Walton of the
Institute on Religion
& Democracy points out that permission is granted as long
as they agree to remain celibate.

"But most conservatives,
including evangelicals in the Church of England, point out that it
seems extremely unlikely that these individuals would be in the
civil partnership agreements and be living lives of celibacy," he
adds.

Walton agrees it is another incremental step towards acceptance
of the homosexual lifestyle within the denomination, irrespective
of scriptural prohibition, and opponents of allowing homosexual
bishops are voicing their disapproval.

"I hope that evangelicals and other traditionalists within the
Church of England are successful at pushing this back because the
various leaders in the global South -- which is where most
Anglicans in the world live -- have really been outspoken about
this matter and said that it's very damaging to the church; and
most importantly, it's contrary to the will of God as revealed in
holy scripture," he says.

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